How does using drugs affect pregnancy

As a result, anytime she uses drugs, her body sends some of these chemicals to the fetus. As Douglas H. Sandberg explains, the placenta, which was once considered a barrier that protected the fetus from anything harmful the mother might consume, is actually more like a filter that allows drugs and other harmful substances to pass through.

The effects of drug abuse on pregnancy, therefore, can be severe not only for the mother, but also for the unborn child.

Intervention Help. This number shows that a small but significant number of women engage in drug use during pregnancy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA explains that while several factors affect the development of a fetus and a young child, prenatal drug use does seem to cause harmful and sometimes long-term effects on the exposed child.

The NIDA also enumerates some of the specific health effects that certain drugs have on pregnant women and their children:. Drug Topics. More Drug Topics. Quick Links. About NIDA. Research Report. That can be worrying and make the future feel uncertain, stressful and challenging. Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.

Ready Steady Baby! Taking drugs in pregnancy. Having a baby can be a positive reason to make changes to your life. These are difficult things to imagine happening but are real risks if you take drugs. Your baby's also more likely to: be born early be underweight have feeding and breathing problems get infections These health problems can sometimes last for many years. More about medicines in pregnancy Neonatal abstinence syndrome NAS Some prescribed or illegal drugs that can cause physical dependency may pass through the placenta and be absorbed by your baby.

If you have any questions about NAS you should speak to your midwife. They can help you understand the risks and support you to cut down or stop taking drugs.